KOCHI: Those with PSC recommendation has the priority for the post of conductor and empanelled employees cannot be given a permanent appointment, clarified the High Court. High Court delivered the verdict after completely dismissing the arguments of empanelled employees. The verdict was given by the division bench of the High court on the appeal made by Antony Stejo and others with a prayer to appoint those with PSC recommendation after the same was dismissed by the single bench.

“KSRTC gave fake hopes for empanelled employees. This adversely effected the rights of those in the PSC list. If the interim order to remove empanelled employees and appoint those with PSC recommendation was not issued, PSC list could have been ignored. The High Court has earlier gave a verdict to appoint people with PSC recommendation by removing empanelled employees in a case filed by PSC Rank Holders’ Association. KSRTC cannot deviate from this”, the HC said.

Empanelled employees had argued that not even minimum wage was given during the time of employment. No one forced them to continue working like that. Empanelled employees also argue that their dismissal was not made by complying with business grievance policies. They can approach labor court in order to address this.